Dip and Pack

[Chris Ordner]

Forgive the ignorance as this is only my second post. Once everything is dipped, packed and shipped back to the states will the capes be ok for a period of time so I can have the taxidermist mount them as I am able to afford or do I need to get them mounted all at once?

 

[BRICKBURN]

They can be mounted over time, but there are limits.
It also depends how well they were prepared.

 

[mikecatt13]

As I understand it, dip and pack is meant for basically pests etc not to be exported or imported and really has no preservative qualities to speak of as far as trophy care. They would likely have them tanned shortly after receiving. My taxidermist i use for north American game has stored his own tanned hides in a freezer for 10-15 years and said they mounted fine. Untanned and frozen they would last not nearly as long.

Just ask the taxidermist what arrangement they are willing to work out with you, as the tanning is going to be a cost they are likely going to incur almost immediately. Should be covered by your deposit, but some may be more or less accommodating to this type of arrangement, not sure there

 

[gizmo]

The capes will be dry salted so yes they can be stored for a period of time, I.e. long enough to get shipped home. I never recommend leaving hides salted and stored for longer than necessary. Typically what I do in a situation your describing is have the client pay to have the capes tanned. Once tanned they can be stored and will be fine. From there I complete pieces as requested by the client this way it spreads the financial burden over an extended period making it easier on you, the client.

 

[gizmo]

Also, I personally do not like working with capes that were tanned in Africa. Obviously I will if I have to but do not like it. The main reason is for most animals, with a few exceptions, I prefer wet tanned capes.

 

[Justbryan]

Gizmo suggestion is exactly what I did on last trip. 10 animals, tanned (9 months wait), then spread out for a year after tanned hides were back to the taxidermist instead of a $10,000 bill all at once.

 

[Trophyhunter01]

You can have them tanned, hydrate per taxi recommendation freeze and the hides will be good for a few years. Getting ready to do the same as my crate just showed up last week. Work off one or two per year.